Century-old wisteria
A magnificent wisteria drapes the arches at the garden entrance, marking one of the park’s most recognisable approaches.
Sorrento · Nature · History
The historic park of Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria
More than two hectares of Mediterranean garden in the heart of Sorrento, with citrus trees, olive groves, Roman memories and a tradition of hospitality preserved by the Fiorentino family since 1834.
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The green heart of the hotel
A historic garden in the centre of Sorrento
The park of Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria is one of the most important private historic gardens on the Sorrentine Peninsula. Extending over more than two hectares, it has shaped the identity of the hotel for nearly two centuries.
Sheltered from the rhythm of Piazza Tasso and open towards the Bay of Naples, the garden preserves the quietest soul of the residence: shaded avenues, citrus trees, olive groves, seasonal blooms and views that connect the hotel with the oldest history of Sorrento.
2+hectares of park
1834family hospitality
5generations
Romeancient memory
Roman Sorrento
A place inhabited since antiquity
Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria stands on a volcanic rock promontory overlooking the Bay of Naples, in an area inhabited since Roman times.
According to local tradition and archaeological evidence uncovered over the years, the site was once occupied by a villa linked to Emperor Augustus, or formed part of an important Roman residential complex. Roman artifacts discovered on the property were donated by the Fiorentino family to the Museo Correale di Terranova.
Within the grounds is also the ancient Crypta Romana, a passage carved into the tufa rock that connected the promontory to the harbour below, today’s Marina Piccola.
Since 1834
Three historic villas, one landscape
In 1834, the ancestors of the Fiorentino family opened the first villa, named Vittoria, laying the foundations for what would become one of Italy’s most distinctive hospitality landmarks. Villa Favorita and Villa Rivale followed, each with its own architectural identity.
The buildings made extensive use of the tufa stone naturally present beneath the property. Much of the material was extracted directly from this land, creating a tangible connection between the park, the promontory and the villas that still define the profile of the Excelsior Vittoria.
For nearly two centuries, through five generations, the same family has continued to preserve this residence and the garden that remains its most private soul.
Mediterranean botany
Wisteria, citrus trees, olive groves and seasonal blooms
The park brings together Mediterranean species, ornamental presences and varieties introduced over time. The result is a composed landscape, alive throughout the year and inseparable from the history of the hotel.
Mediterranean pines
Majestic trees shade the main avenue and give the green landscape its most solemn character.
Roses and camellias
Roses, camellias, hibiscus and seasonal blooms accompany the path towards the hotel’s historic buildings.
Citrus and olives
Citrus trees and olive groves express the most authentic side of the Sorrentine landscape, between beauty and production.
In the park
Green vistas, Mediterranean light and private quiet
Historic avenues
Blooms
Citrus grove
Olive trees
Quiet garden
From the garden to the table
Citrus trees and olives, not merely decorative
The trees of the park are not only part of the landscape. To this day, the property’s citrus fruits and olives are used to produce artisanal marmalades and extra virgin olive oil for guests of the hotel.
The marmalades are served at breakfast, while the olive oil is used in the preparations of the hotel’s restaurants, including the Michelin-starred Terrazza Bosquet.
Both products are also available in the hotel boutique: an authentic taste of the Excelsior Vittoria to take home.
La Boutique Dining & Drinks
Daily care
A botanical heritage cared for every day
In the early 2000s, several areas of the garden were enhanced by award-winning garden designer Cowley White, who helped harmonise the botanical species and highlight some of the property’s most charming vistas.
The park is cared for daily by a specialised team led by Head Gardener Aniello Caccioppoli. Their knowledge of the species present in the garden keeps alive the balance between nature, history and landscape.
A historic garden is never simply inherited: it is entrusted by previous generations and preserved for those to come.
Grand Tour
Pathways walked by travellers, artists and international figures
During the nineteenth century and the era of the Grand Tour, these pathways were frequented by aristocrats, artists and travellers from across Europe.
In the years that followed, the hotel welcomed distinguished guests such as Richard Wagner, Oscar Wilde, Enrico Caruso and Lucio Dalla, who found inspiration here for his celebrated song Caruso. The story of the park continues to converse with culture, music, cinema and international hospitality.
It is this layering that makes the garden unique: Roman Sorrento, agricultural landscape, nineteenth-century villas and family hospitality coexist in the same place.
Read the history
FAQ
The historic park: essential information
Where is the historic park of Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria?
The park is located within Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria, at Piazza Tasso 34 in the centre of Sorrento, overlooking the Bay of Naples.
How large is the garden?
The Mediterranean park extends over more than two hectares and is one of the hotel’s most distinctive and private features.
Which botanical species can be found in the park?
The garden includes wisteria, roses, camellias, hibiscus, Mediterranean pines, citrus trees, olive trees and several ornamental and exotic species introduced over time.
Does the park have a connection with Roman Sorrento?
Yes. The area has been inhabited since Roman times, and within the grounds is the ancient Crypta Romana, a passage carved into the tufa rock towards Marina Piccola.
Are the citrus fruits and olives used by the hotel?
Yes. The property’s citrus fruits and olives are used to produce artisanal marmalades and extra virgin olive oil for guests, the restaurants and the hotel boutique.
Who takes care of the park?
The park is cared for daily by a specialised team led by Head Gardener Aniello Caccioppoli, with an approach focused on preserving the botanical heritage of the property.
Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria
Experience Sorrento from its green heart
A private historic park, the quiet of citrus trees, views of the Bay of Naples and the elegance of a family residence open to hospitality since 1834.
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